Calculating <E> & <E^2> with Eigenfunctions of Parity Operator

Keep in mind that the expectation value <E^2> can also be written as (a1n1+a2n2+a3n3+a4n4) / (n1+n2+n3+n4)^2, but your equation is also correct. As for Q2, you are correct that only d is an eigenfunction of the parity operator. Good job summarizing the conversation! In summary, Q1 is about calculating the expectation value <E> and <E^2> and Q2 is about identifying eigenfunctions of the parity operator.
  • #1
cuegirl60
2
0
Q1
energy no. of times measured
a1 n1
a2 n2
a3 n3
a4 n4

expectation value <E> = (a1n1+a2n2+a3n3+a4n4) / (n1+n2+n3+n4)
is this correct?

Also, how do you caluculate expectation value <E^2> ?
i.e. <E squared>

Q2
Identify if the following functions are eigenfunctions of the parity operator.

a) f(z) = z(a-z)(z+b), where a,b are real numbers
b) f(x) = Ψ(x)xΨ(x), where Ψ(x) is antisymmetric about the origin.
c) same f(x) in b), but where Ψ(x) is symmetric about the origin.
d) f(x) = Ψ(x)x^2Ψ(x) where Ψ(x) is antisymmetric about the origin. x^2 means x squared.
 
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  • #2
cuegirl60 said:
Q1
energy no. of times measured
a1 n1
a2 n2
a3 n3
a4 n4

expectation value <E> = (a1n1+a2n2+a3n3+a4n4) / (n1+n2+n3+n4)
is this correct?

Also, how do you caluculate expectation value <E^2> ?
i.e. <E squared>

How did you come up with the first answer ? Follow the same line of thought and you'll find the answer to <E^2>.

cuegirl60 said:
Q2
Identify if the following functions are eigenfunctions of the parity operator.

a) f(z) = z(a-z)(z+b), where a,b are real numbers
b) f(x) = Ψ(x)xΨ(x), where Ψ(x) is antisymmetric about the origin.
c) same f(x) in b), but where Ψ(x) is symmetric about the origin.
d) f(x) = Ψ(x)x^2Ψ(x) where Ψ(x) is antisymmetric about the origin. x^2 means x squared.

Post ideas and work, people here want to help, not supply full solutions to your problems.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
so i said <E> = (a1n1+a2n2+a3n3+a4n4) / (n1+n2+n3+n4)

and if this was correct,

<E^2> = (a1^2 n1 + a2^2 n2 + a3^2 n3 + a4^2 n4) / (n1+n2+n3+n4)

is this correct??

Q2, my thought was:
only d was eigenfunctions of the parity operator.

b,c always give function to the power of odd value, a i just worked out can not be...
 
  • #4
cuegirl60 said:
so i said <E> = (a1n1+a2n2+a3n3+a4n4) / (n1+n2+n3+n4)

and if this was correct,

<E^2> = (a1^2 n1 + a2^2 n2 + a3^2 n3 + a4^2 n4) / (n1+n2+n3+n4)

is this correct??

Q2, my thought was:
only d was eigenfunctions of the parity operator.

b,c always give function to the power of odd value, a i just worked out can not be...

Both of these look good.
 

1. How do you calculate and with eigenfunctions of parity operator?

The first step is to determine the eigenfunctions of the parity operator, which are the even and odd functions. Then, use the eigenfunctions to calculate the expectation value by taking the inner product of the Hamiltonian operator and the eigenfunction. To calculate , square the eigenfunction before taking the inner product with the Hamiltonian operator.

2. What is the significance of the parity operator in calculating and ?

The parity operator is a mathematical tool that determines the symmetry of a system. In this case, it allows us to separate the system into even and odd functions, making it easier to calculate the expectation values.

3. Can the parity operator be applied to any system?

Yes, the parity operator can be applied to any system as long as it is described by a wavefunction that can be separated into even and odd components.

4. Is there a difference between and in terms of physical interpretation?

Yes, represents the average energy of the system, while represents the uncertainty in the energy measurement. This uncertainty is related to the spread of the energy eigenvalues.

5. How can the results of and be used in practical applications?

The results of and can be used to determine the energy levels and their uncertainty in a system. This is important in various fields such as quantum mechanics, chemistry, and material science, where understanding the energy states of a system is crucial for predicting its behavior.

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